Chirac Meets Zyuganov in Moscow on Last Day 🇫🇷

(27 Sep 1997) Russian/Nat

French President Jacques Chirac wound up his visit to Moscow on Saturday with a series of meetings on culture and education.

He spent his last hours in Moscow meeting with Communist opposition leader Gennady Zyuganov - the last political meeting of what is widely regarded as a successful trip.

Chirac went on to St. Petersburg where he will spend Sunday sightseeing before returning to Paris.

After successful meetings with both Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin, French leader Jacques Chirac made an impromptu visit on Saturday to the other side of the political fence.

At Moscow's Metropole hotel, Chirac met with Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov as well as the leader of the governing party, "Our Home Russia".

But it was this meeting with Zyuganov that drew the most attention.

Chirac spoke with Zyuganov at length about his political views and those of the communist party.

They discussed the current economic, social and political climate in Russia from the communist perspective.

Zyuganov told reporters later that Russia and France had very close relations and that France clearly understood Russia's position on European security.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We support all that is going on in regards to the very close relations between Russia and France. Even though I am busy I follow all that is going on with the European Security and completely approve of the approach taken, this kind of international politics we are in support of."
SUPER CAPTION: Gennady Zyuganov, leader of Russian Communist Party

Zyuganov was also pleased that Chirac had expressed a firm interest in the position of the communist opposition.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"Our meeting was very interesting and I think useful for the both of us. Chirac was very interested in our position on economics and on the battle against corruption and crime, he was very interested in our positions and had many questions about how we can help improve the situation in connection with today's international situation."
SUPER CAPTION: Gennady Zyuganov, leader of Russian Communist Party

The meeting followed Chirac's statement on Friday that France's nuclear missiles are no longer aimed at Russia.

The announcement was mostly symbolic, since missiles can be quickly re-targeted.

But it was intended to erase an outdated Cold War sign of distrust between the two countries, which now enjoy what President Boris Yeltsin characterised as "privileged and special" relations.

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